The Dynamics of the Inventor Network in German Biotechnology: Geographical Proximity versus Triadic Closure

Anne L.J. Wal ()

No 1102, Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) from Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography

Abstract: Economic geography has developed a stronghold analysing how geography impacts innovation. Yet, despite increased interest in networks, a critical assessment of the role of geography in the evolution of networks is still lacking. This paper juxtaposes geographical proximity with the network of prior ties as alternative mechanisms for tie formation. Analysing the evolution of inventor networks in German biotechnology, the paper theoretically argues and empirically demonstrates that - as the technological regime of an industry changes over time - inventors increasingly rely on network resources by forming links to partners of partners, whilst the direct impact of geographical proximity on tie formation decreases.

Keywords: network evolution; geographical proximity; triadic closure; inventor networks (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D85 L14 L65 R11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 39 pages
Date: 2011-01, Revised 2011-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ino, nep-net, nep-sbm, nep-soc and nep-ure
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (22)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:egu:wpaper:1102

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